The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction with a report submitted by Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police, Abdul Kareem, regarding the inclusion of criminal case details in police character certificates. Justice Abher Gul Khan presided over the hearing of a contempt petition filed by petitioner Mubashir, who alleged non-implementation of court orders.
Court Objects to Existing Certificate Format
During the proceedings, the court raised objections to the current format of the police character certificate, noting that its earlier directives had not been implemented in letter and spirit. The court observed that despite clear orders issued a year ago, compliance had yet to be ensured, leading to the filing of contempt of court petitions.
The court remarked that the report submitted in response to its queries was inadequate and appeared to have been prepared without proper scrutiny. Justice Khan noted that the IG Punjab seemed to have been misled by his subordinate officers, indicating a lack of oversight within the department.
Separate Formats for Convicted and Acquitted Individuals
The court directed the Punjab Police to prepare two separate formats for police character certificates: one for individuals who have been convicted and another for those who have been acquitted. This move aims to ensure that the certificates accurately reflect the legal status of individuals and prevent unnecessary stigma for those who have been acquitted.
IG Punjab informed the court that the character certificate system was fully automated and sought additional time to implement the court’s directions. When asked how much time was required, he requested one week for compliance.
Court Orders Full Compliance Before Next Hearing
The court directed the IG Punjab to submit both revised formats before the court and ensure that all District Police Officers (DPOs) are informed about the new procedure. It further ordered that full compliance with its earlier directions be ensured before the next hearing.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned until July 13, giving the police department a week to comply with the court's orders. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the implementation of judicial directives and the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.
